face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

1

: within each other's sight or presence

met and talked face-to-face

a face-to-face consultation

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms

• personally

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

Recent Examples on the Web

Contestants form bonds and make decisions about compatibility while chatting through a wall, eventually getting engaged before meeting face-to-face for the first time. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025

From digital strategies to face-to-face deal-making, circulation remains a priority for organizers, with initiatives like the popular Re>Birth program, now in its third edition. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025

For maximum safety, aim to confirm with the recipient face-to-face on details of the transaction, including the amount and the payment method. —Kat Boogaard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

In face-to-face meetings, moderators could get a sense when people were bored, when the meeting should speed up or when the discussion should slow down. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• hydrogenase
• nitrogenase
• oligoclase
• oxygenase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace

Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˌfās-tə-ˈfās

1

: within each other's close presence

met face-to-face

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

face-to-face with a crisis